Leveraging Large Language Models (LLM) for the Plastic Surgery Resident Training: Do They Have a Role?

Introduction Large language models (LLMs) are designed for recognizing, summarizing, translating, predicting, and generating text-based content from knowledge gained from extensive data sets. ChatGPT4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) (OpenAI, San Francisco, California, United States) is a transformer-based LLM model pretrained on public data as well as data obtained from third-party sources using deep learning techniques of fine tuning and reinforcement learning from human feedback to predict the next text. We wanted to explore the role of LLM as a teaching assistant (TA) in plastic surgery. Material and Methods TA roles were first identified in available literature, and based on the roles, a list of suitable tasks was created where LLM could be used to perform the task. Prompts designed to be fed in to the LLM (specifically ChatGPT) to generate appropriate output, were then created and fed to the ChatGPT model. The outputs generated were scored by evaluators and compared for interobserver agreement. Results A final set of eight TA roles were identified where a LLM could be utilized to generate content. These contents were scored for usefulness and accuracy. These were scored independently by the eight study authors in a scoring sheet created for the study. Interobserver agreements for content accuracy, usefulness, and clarity were 100% for content generated for the following: interactive case studies (generation), simulation of preoperative consultations, and generation of ethical considerations. Discussion LLMs in general and ChatGPT (on which this study is based) in specific, can generate answers to questions and prompts based on huge amount of text fed into the model for training the underlying language model. The answers generated have been found to be accurate, readable, and even indistinguishable from human-generated text. This capability of automated content synthesis can be exploited to generate summaries to text, answer short and long answers, and generate case scenarios. We could identify a few such scenarios where the LLM could in general be utilized to play the role of a TA and aid plastic surgery residents in particular. In addition, these models could also be used by students to obtain feedback and gain reflection which itself stimulates critical thinking. Conclusion Incorporating LLMs into the educational arsenal of plastic surgery residency programs can provide a dynamic, interactive, and individualized learning experience for residents and prove to be worthy TAs of future.

The role of steroid receptors, peptides and growth factors in the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic gynecomastia.

Idiopathic gynecomastia is a diagnosis of exclusion. We aimed to evaluate the role of steroids, peptides and growth factors in these patients. Those with bilateral idiopathic gynecomastia (n = 29) (Simon's grade IIb or III) who underwent gland excision were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques using semi-quantitative grading for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), aromatase, androgen receptor (AR), peptides (IGF-1, IGF-2, HER-2, parathyroid-hormone related peptide [PTHrP]) and growth factors (EGFR, TGFß). The cohort comprised 29 patients, with a mean age of 25.3 ± 5.1 years and a mean body mass index of 27.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2 . Grade IIb gynecomastia was present in 79.1% and moderate-to-severe insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >3) in 53.7% of patients. ER expression was positive in 100% samples, followed by AR (96.5%), aromatase (96.5%) and PR (93.1%). IGF-1 was expressed in 86.2% of the cohort, IGF2 in 27.5% and HER-2 in only two samples, with both showing weak immunoexpression. None of the patients had positive expression of EGFR, TGF-ß or PTHrP. There was no association between immunoexpression and gynecomastia grade. This study demonstrates the predominant role of oestrogen, aromatase and insulin resistance in the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic gynecomastia and implicates the paracrine hyperestrogenic milieu in its causation as circulating hormones were normal.

An Innovative Skin Simulation Model to Augment Competency-based Training in Facial Plastic Surgery.

Introduction Competency-based medical education (CBME) approach in the medical curriculum has been introduced globally with the goal of providing flexibility, accountability, and learner-centeredness among medical learners. Traditional surgical skill training in most places has relied on "see one, do one, teach one model," while simulation model-based training has been shown to improve competencies in surgical trainees. We wanted to assess the usefulness of a hydrophilic barrier adhesive foam wound dressing as a novel skin simulation model for learning biomechanics and practice of cutaneous flaps among plastic surgical resident trainees at our institute. Materials and Methods An absorbent, soft polyurethane foam pad located centrally upon a larger polyurethane membrane, coated with a hydrocolloid adhesive, forming an island dressing, was used as a simulation model for this study. It was obtained from the hospital store either after or nearing their expiry dates of clinical use. Plastic surgery residents in different years of training were invited to participate in a simulation workshop, using this novel model, and give their feedback. Results Seventeen residents in different plastic surgery training levels participated in the workshop and gave their feedback on the skin flap simulation model. The simulation model received extremely high (100%) scores on two parameters, namely, utility for flap and suture practice and high scores (88%-94%) for texture, ability to mark, and improving confidence among trainees. Conclusions Adhesive bilayer polyurethane foam can be used as a novel cutaneous skin flap simulation model for understanding the biomechanics of skin flaps and cutaneous flap practice.

The Impact of "COVID-19" and "Webinar Pandemic" on Plastic Surgery Practice in Teaching Institutes and Resident Training-A Multicentric Perspective.

Introduction The study was carried out to quantify the changes induced by the pandemic in plastic surgery practice and training and to study the impact of the webinars on plastic surgery education from a residents' perspective. Methods In this multicentric study, the number and type of surgeries, cause of injuries, and their regional variation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period (February-September 2020) were compared with pre-COVID-19 time. An online survey on the impact of webinars was conducted for plastic surgery trainees across the country. Results There was a significant reduction in total number of surgeries ( p = 0.003). The procedures for hand ( p = 0.156), faciomaxillary injuries ( p = 0.25), and replantations ( p = 0.46) were comparable; there was a significant reduction in combined orthopedic-plastic-surgical procedures ( p = 0.009) during the pandemic. There was a significant reduction in road accidents ( p = 0.007) and suicidal injuries ( p = 0.002) and increase in assault ( p = 0.03) and domestic accidents ( p = 0.01) during the COVID-19 period. A usefulness score of >8 was given for the webinars by 68.7% residents. There was no significant difference in perception of utility when correlated with the academic program at their institutes ( p = 0.109); 92% opined webinars should continue in post-COVID times. Conclusion There was a drastic reduction in number of elective and emergency procedures during the COVID-19 time, negatively affecting resident training program. Majority of residents felt that webinars could prove a useful adjunct to training in formal training program in post-COVID-19 scenario.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Management of Primary Brachial Plexus Tumors.

Introduction This study evaluates the clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes of surgically treated benign and malignant brachial plexus tumors (BPTs). Methods A prospective study of patients with BPTs from June 2015 to August 2020 was conducted. All patients underwent surgical resection with microneurolysis and intraoperative electrical stimulation to preserve the functioning nerve fascicles. Results Fourteen patients with 15 BPTs underwent surgical resection. Mean age was 37.8 ± 12.3 years; with male to female ratio 4:10. The clinical presentations were swelling (100%), pain (84.6%), and paresthesia (76.9%). The lesions involved roots (5/15), trunk (5/15), division (1/15), and cords (4/15). Thirteen patients had benign pathology (8 schwannomas, 3 neurofibromas, 2 lipomas) and two had malignant neurofibrosarcoma. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases except a dumbbell tumor. The mean follow-up period was 24 ± 5 months. Postoperatively, all patients reported improvement in pain and paresthesia with no new sensory deficit. All patients had developed initial motor weakness (Grades 2-4); however, full power (Grade 5) was recovered by 3 to 5 months. Conclusion Total resection can be achieved by appropriate microneural dissection and electrophysiologic monitoring and is potentially curative with preserving function.

Assessment of Clinical and Histological Changes in the Skin Paddle of Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap in Intraoral Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to characterize the clinical and histological changes in the cutaneous portion of the transferred pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps used in intraoral reconstruction in patients with head and neck malignancy. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study carried out from July 2016 to 2018. All patients underwent ablative surgery for oropharyngeal cancers and primary reconstruction with pedicled pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. The intraoral flaps were examined for color, texture, presence of hair, chronic inflammatory changes, and ulceration. At 12 months, incisional biopsies were taken from the skin paddle of the intraoral flap and contralateral normal buccal mucosa, and flap histology was compared with that of the contralateral buccal mucosa. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the final analysis (M/F, 4:1; mean ± SD age, 51.38 ± 6.76 years). Fourteen flaps resembled oral mucosa, 3 had a mixed appearance of both skin and mucosa, and 3 had appearance of normal skin at 1 year follow-up. The epidermis and stratum corneum were retained in all the flap biopsies; however, severe attenuation was noted in 7 patients (had mucosal appearance) but was significantly different from oral mucosa(P = 0.0003). Cutaneous appendages were found in all the flap epithelia. Thirteen flaps showed grossly attenuation, of which 11 patients had a gross appearance resembling oral mucosa and 2 had a mixed appearance. The biopsies showed varied degree of chronic changes like desquamation in around 35% (7 patients), hyperkeratosis in 35% (7 patients), and chronic candidiasis in 30% (6 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Although the intraorally transferred flaps demonstrate a morphological appearance similar to oral mucosa, there is a histological preservation of skin elements and architecture.

Prospective Analysis and Comparison of Periareolar Excision (Delivery) Technique and Pull-Through Technique for the Treatment of Gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia is one of the most common disorders affecting adolescent and adult males. It is a benign disorder but has severe psychological manifestations like low self-confidence, depression, anxiety and social phobia in patients suffering from gynecomastia. Different surgical techniques have been described utilizing a variety of incisions, excisions, lipectomy and liposuction methods. Very frequently, these methods are combined for the gynecomastia treatment with variable reported results. However, there is a lack of studies comparing these techniques. The present study was planned to compare cases of gynecomastia treated by liposuction with periareolar excision (delivery technique) and liposuction with a pull-through technique. METHOD: A prospective randomized control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 20 patients with gynecomastia. The patients were assigned to either liposuction with periareolar excision (delivery technique) or liposuction with pull-through technique. Anthropometric analysis and breast evaluation questionnaire (BEQ) scores were analyzed and compared before and after the surgery. RESULTS: The majority of the study subjects were between 21 and 30 years of age. Low self-confidence was the main reason for surgery in most of the cases. Twelve patients had gynecomastia grade IIa and eight had grade IIb. Both groups had similar responses to BEQ scores before and after the surgery with no statistically significant difference. A statistically insignificant difference was observed between the groups on comparison of anthropometric analysis preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean lipoaspirate volume was 280 ml for the pull-through technique and 367 ml for the periareolar excision technique. No complications were observed in cases operated on by the pull-through technique, while two cases (10%) operated on by the periareolar excision had hematomas. CONCLUSION: Both techniques provide excellent cosmetic results with low risk of complications in both small and moderate breast enlargement with skin excess. The pull-through technique combines the benefits of direct excision of glandular tissues along with the minimally invasive nature of liposuction. Thus, performing the procedure via a single incision without the use of drains is a safer alternative to traditional liposuction with the periareolar excision technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Use of Modified Islanded Paramedian Forehead Flap for Complex Periocular Facial Reconstruction.

The paramedian forehead flap is a workhorse flap for reconstructing the nose and periorbital regions. Many variants are described including an islanded flap. However, eyebrow reconstruction is not usually performed with these flaps. The authors describe a patient suffering from postburn scarring medial to the left eye, including loss of the left eyebrow. He underwent a single-stage transfer of the paramedian forehead flap. The flap incorporated scalp hair, which restored the missing eyebrow hair after transfer. The donor defect closed primarily. The paramedian forehead flap is amenable to customization by including a segment of hair-bearing scalp to concomitantly reconstruct the nasal dorsum and eyebrow.

Lid cranioplasty: an elegant method of calvarial reconstruction.

The reconstruction of calvarial defect is a challenging treat for any craniofacial surgeon. The split calvarial bone graft reconstruction is a well-described method of reconstruction and gives very good results. Here, we present a 14-year-old girl who presented with a frontal cranial bone defect with a size of 5 × 3 cm for which the reconstruction was done with a split calvarial bone graft taken from the parietal bone. The method of reconstruction resembled keeping a lid of a jar, and we named this procedure lid cranioplasty. We were able to come out with very good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Customizing the paramedian forehead flap for total nasal reconstruction.

Secondary squamous cell carcinoma eroding the entire nasal architecture is rare. Wide local excision leaves a debilitating central defect over the face. Total reconstruction of the nose is best performed in stages. The forehead flap is a workhorse flap in nasal reconstruction. We describe a few technical modifications of this flap in a patient who underwent this treatment with acceptable cosmetic result and minimal donor-site morbidity.

Post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic limb amputation in an 8 year-old female child and its management through play therapy.

Posttraumatic mental health issues following traumatic limb amputations in children have been commonly reported worldwide. Traumatic limb amputationsarecatastrophic injuries/events and often have various long term psycho-social impacts on children. We report a case of 8 year-oldfemale child presenting with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic amputation of right hand. A non- directive approach in play therapy was used for management of her symptoms. At 12 months follow up, the child is doing well with no impairment in her overall functioning.

Histological Analysis of the Effect of Nanofat Grafting in Scar Rejuvenation.

Introduction: The morphology and tissue response to macro- and micro-fat grafting have been widely studied in both clinical and experimental settings; the histological effects of the nanofat graft, however, remain largely unexplored. Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the histological changes leading to scar rejuvenation in a fine scar following nanofat grafting. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study carried out on guinea-pig fine-line scar models. Nanofat prepared from abdominal fat of the animal was injected into scar on right legs (NFG) at 1 month whereas left acted as controls (CG). Punch biopsies from all scars were analyzed at 2, 4, and 6 months by Hematoxylin&Eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Picrosirius red stains to evaluate dermal/epidermal regeneration, collagen fiber orientation, pattern of distribution, and amount of mature and immature collagen. Results: Nine animals were included in the final analysis of the study. On histological analysis, the amount of inflammatory infiltrate, collagen fiber orientation, pattern and total histological score at 2, 4, and 6 months were similar between the groups. There was an increased trend for earlier appearance of organized and mature forms of collagen in the NFG group. The distribution of collagen was similar at 2 months; however, there was a significant increase in collagen distribution in NFG at 4 months (NFG: 46.11±11.6, CG: 31.16±9.9; P = 0.010) and at 6 months (NFG: 63.48± 6.6, CG: 49.9 ±8.8; P = 0.002). Conclusion: Nanofat grafting is associated with an accelerated and increased production of mature collagen with proper alignment in fine-line scars.

Primary elbow osteoarthritis presenting as ulnar nerve palsy with claw hand.

A 59-year-old woman was referred with weakness, paraesthesia, numbness and clawing of the little and ring fingers for the last 2 years. MRI of the cervical spine was normal and nerve conduction velocity revealed abnormality of the ulnar nerve. Ultrasound and MRI showed medial osteophytes and effusion of the elbow joint with stretched and thinned ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. The patient underwent release and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with significant relief of symptoms.

Atypical fibroxanthoma of hand.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare cutaneous ulcerative lesion with a good prognosis. Diagnosis is difficult and is usually made by exclusion from pleomorphic dermal sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Definitive treatment varies from Mohs micrographic surgery to wide local excision. We present a case of 76-year-old woman with AFX over the dorsum of her left hand. The tumour was excised and the resulting defect was reconstructed with a local second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap.